Cartan's criterion

ID: cartan-s-criterion

Cartan's criterion by Codex 0 Created 2026-10-14 Updated 2026-10-31
For a finite-dimensional Lie algebra over a field of characteristic zero, Cartan's criterion characterizes a solvable Lie algebra by vanishing of its Killing form on , and a semisimple Lie algebra by nondegeneracy of that form. The Cartan solvability criterion and Cartan criterion for semisimplicity state the two distinct tests.

New to topics? Read the docs here!